Martin Keown: This Tottenham man will be crucial to a title challenge

Martin Known believes that Harry Kane will need to be on top form if Tottenham are to win the Premier League.

The Spurs striker marked his return from injury with a crucial goal in the 1-1 draw against bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday, which maintained the club’s unbeaten start in the league.

The 23-year-old confidently slotted home a second-half penalty after Kevin Wimmer scored an unfortunate goal from a free-kick.

Kane had missed 10 games in all competitions after sustaining ankle ligament damage against Sunderland in September.

Former Arsenal defender Keown claims that if Spurs are to be title contenders they will need their first-choice striker in top form.

“Tottenham will certainly need him firing if they’re to mount another title challenge,” Keown wrote in the Mail. “He’s a terrific all-round threat to defences, and his goal at the weekend will do his confidence the world of good.

Spurs produced a title challenge last season and were edged out by eventual champions Leicester, with Arsenal pipping them to second in the final fixture.

Kane played a crucial role last campaign and won the Premier League’s golden boot with 25 goals.

Mauricio Pochettino used Vincent Janssen and Heung-Min Son as the central striker in the absence of Kane, but the club’s form has dipped in recent weeks as they have drawn four consecutive league games.